Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
